Learn piano from an expert, 18yrs under Steinway Artist.

Wayland S.

Composition (Music)

I have been composing classical and jazz music since I was six or seven years old. I principally focus on Baroque Counterpoint to instruct melodic and harmonic patterns. I draw extensively on composers depending on the specific genre someone is trying to emulate. I was taught to improvise in baroque, classical, romantic, and twentieth-century styles as part of my studies with Andreas Klein, Steinway Artist in Residence at H.B.U.

Ear Training

I've performed and accompanied singers and musicians since high school. I was responsible for all music for school chapel services, including rehearsals for musicals, chorus, soloists, and bands. In university, I served as an accompanist to several opera singers and choral soloists. Most recently, I have taught ear-training to all new piano students, guitarists, and vocalists.

General Music

I come from a family of musical prodigies and artists. As such, I have been surrounded by all types of music since birth. I am well acquainted with the history of Western music from its inception by the early Greeks. I studied European classical music, and I also have a comprehensive understanding of music history in America. This includes jazz, gospel, Appalachian folk, bluegrass, American folk, zydeco, and French Acadian. My area of specialization is concentrated on Baroque counterpoint, spanning from 1600 to 1750.

Music History

Throughout my lifetime, my musical education not only included Music History but also required specific knowledge in the field. This includes my studies of all classical period styles of performance, instrumentation, and the notable and lesser-known composers spanning the last 300 years. I studied music history at university, and possess extensive knowledge of 20th-century music in America, from early folk to modern rock. My experience has provided an intensive understanding of Baroque counterpoint, ornamentation, composition, and period performance.

Music Theory

I studied music composition and theory with Ann Gebuhr at Houston Baptist University. During that period, she had works performed by the Houston Symphony and introduced us to several renowned composers like John Cage, while attending master classes at Rice University. Mastering an instrument and classical technique requires that you be familiar with theory. Much like a language, music is composed of a series of phrases. The central melody or voice may be supported by a soloist, shared between sections of the orchestra, or parts of a chorus. Perhaps it is represented as multiple intersecting voices as counterpoint, as utilized in the Baroque period. Furthermore, the student must be acquainted with the underpinnings of all music. This might be a harmonic progression, a rhythmic progression, sequences, arias, recitative, or cadenzas. It may be a unique method, such as tintinabuli, imitative counterpoint, or musical forms like sonata, fugue, gigue, passacaglia, courant, or an overture. Furthermore, composers use expressive techniques used for effect; ie. eschape, tone-painting, klangfarbenmelodien, stride, stretto, detache, vivace or lento. All of these elements are noted in the final analysis, which identifies each section of a piece and its corresponding repetitions within the work itself. Specific notation or diagrams may be necessary to represent a specific technique, while the score is marked with identifiers for each theme, each section, and the recapitulation of phrases and sections.

Piano

Began playing piano on my own at age five. Studied classical music privately for thirteen years, won several awards in competitions. Full music scholarship to HBU, primary major in Piano Performance/Music. Studied under Andreas Klein, Steinway Artist in Residence for five years. I have performed as a soloist for weddings, parties, and corporate events over the years. I began taking students in 2010, teaching all ages and levels of experience. One of my students went on to earn a music scholarship to Harding University in Texas.

Songwriting

I have been composing classical and jazz music since I was six or seven years old. I focus on Baroque Counterpoint to instruct melodic and harmonic patterns. I draw extensively on composers depending on the specific genre someone is trying to emulate. I was taught to improvise in baroque, classical, romantic, and twentieth-century styles as part of my university studies at H.B.U. Semi-finalist in the 2025 Unsigned Only Music Awards. As part of Les Griffon, I published multiple original compositions. Les Griffon can be heard on all streaming platforms and is receiving radio air-play on KPFT 90.1 FM, streaming worldwide.

Voice (Music)

Extensive experience in Choral singing since childhood through university. Extensive experience traveling and performing with select choral groups in high school and university. One-year university extension on Choral Scholarship, HBU. Currently offering voice lessons to students attempting to improve skills like vocal range, breath control, and diction for folk, pop, and classical music. Additionally, I perform with the Brown Bayou Trio in Houston and record as part of a songwriting duo, Les Griffon.